Welcome, I’m so happy you’re here!
Deciding to work on your relationship is a BIG step. If you’ve been feeling like you’re stuck in the same patterns/arguments or like you and your partner are growing apart instead of together you’re in the right place. Setting aside the time, resources, and energy to improve your relationship is commendable. Difficulties in relationships can negatively impact all other areas of our life such as physical & mental health, career, sense of happiness and overall well-being. Take this moment to acknowledge and appreciate that you’re doing something constructive to turn things around.
Now, a little bit about my style…
Imago Relationship Therapy informs how I work with all relationships. Imago Therapy was initially developed by Dr. Harville Hendrix and became widely known after the publication of his best-selling book, Getting the Love You Want and his recurring appearances on the Oprah Winfrey Show. As a practicing therapist of 10+ years I view the only diagnosis in couples work to be disconnection. My goal is to create a safe & structured environment to teach you effective communication skills which serve as the bridge to restoring connection both with others and yourself. You will leave therapy with me having practical tools to create impactful and long lasting change in your relationship; become a more attuned, empathetic and effective listener, and unearth the root cause of negative patterns in your relationship.
Today’s the day to start improving your relationship and your life. After 10+ years of clinical experience and working with countless couples, I can tell you that change IS possible. I would be honored to walk beside you in this journey of growth.
10 Reasons to Start Couples Therapy…
You feel emotionally distant from your partner.
You’re contemplating separation or divorce.
You have the same argument over and over again and don’t know how to move past it.
You’re navigating a major transition (e.g. moving in together, job changes, engagement/marriage, having a child together, etc.)
There’s been infidelity or a major loss of trust in the relationship.
One of you is navigating mental illness, a chronic medical problem, and/or addiction.
You have differing sex drives and this is a point of contention.
You constantly fight about money and how to use it.
You have extended family issues.
You disagree on how you want to parent.
What makes Imago couples therapy different?
As stated on the official Imago website…
“Imago's collaborative approach often takes fewer sessions than other forms of therapy to uncover the root problems and patterns fueling most conflict and disconnection. Imago’s approach also lessens most common concerns partners may have about participating in therapy. These concerns or fears may include - belief a couple should solve their own problems, fear of being blamed for relationship issues, concern therapy won’t bring lasting change, lack of progress with previous forms of therapy, or the belief that the current status of the relationship should be left alone.
Imago takes a relational vs. an individual problem-solving approach. For couples, it guides them on understanding how each of them come to the relationship with issues and how to heal together as a team.
Rather than acting as a referee, Imago therapists teach and guide couples to communicate in a safe and structured way that removes blame, shame and criticism. Instead, by facilitating a conversation, the couple can learn from one another using conflict as an opportunity for healing and growth.”
Why is Imago so effective?
Conflict is a normal and expected part of relationships! Nevertheless, we need to learn how to move through conflict without inflicting long lasting damage, hurt and resentment between us and our partner. Imago teaches specific tools, skills and guiding principles designed to empower you to:
Express feelings in a non-confrontational, safe and structured environment.
Address the root of repetitive arguments rather than problem-solving specific incidents/fights.
Embrace the fact that you and your partner each has unique needs, wants and expectations and learn how to communicate these to one another.
Make small changes that create big differences in terms of happiness and fulfillment in your relationship.
Build a more intimate, trusting and mutually supportive partnership.
“We are born in relationship, we are wounded in relationship, and we can be healed in relationship.”
— Harville Hendrix
Couples Therapy FAQs
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Couples sessions are 50 or 90 minutes in length, with the initial session being 90 minutes. The frequency and length are up to your discretion, but most couples choose to meet biweekly to allow time to put into practice the tools and skills that are learned in session. I will do everything within my power to find a consistent spot in my schedule that works well for both of us.
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My fee is $195 for 50 minute sessions and $325 for 90 minutes. All billing is handled electronically through the Simple Practice system (my electronic health record).
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Before starting our work together I always offer a free consultation call to asses just this. It’s an opportunity for you to learn more about my process, to answer any potential questions you may have, and to ensure we’re a good match. (If I don’t think I’m the right person, I’m always happy to suggest other therapists who may be a better fit!) Furthermore, I will continue to check-in during our sessions to assess how you are both feeling and welcome feedback to improve your therapy experience.
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This will greatly vary by couple, and the truth is sometimes things will get worse before they get better. You are learning new skills and this takes time! Hence why I always recommend sticking it out for at least six months. Yes, this is a big investment of time and money, but so is a break-up or divorce. And while staying together is not necessarily the measure of success, this amount of time will allow you to make informed decisions regarding your relationship and the ability to master new skills that will benefit ALL relationships in your life.
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In our first session together we will discuss what brought you to therapy, identify the strengths of your relationship, and discuss goals you each have in our work together. We will also begin to learn and practice the Imago safe dialogue protocol.
